Da Costa thankful for F1 experience

For the second day of Formula One’s Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi, Red Bull Junior driver António Félix da Costa returned to the cockpit of the RB8 for his final outing at the Yas Marina Circuit. And with a point to prove, the young Portuguese driver set the day’s fastest lap, clocking a time of 1:42.679.

The day was again split into sessions of aero and mechanical work, with the morning given over to aero mapping and the afternoon to tyre work as well the testing of some car components.

António Félix Da Costa:

“It’s been another good day. Again, we did a lot of mileage, which is good for me and for the team. On a day like this, when the conditions are perfect for testing, and with two grands prix to go, I think the team needs to make the most of it and today I think we did that.

“It’s been a great experience and I’d like to thank the whole team for their help and I hope I have been able to help them as well,” he added. “I’ll focus now on the future and I think most sensibly that probably means a full season in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series next year.”

With António’s work done, the final day of the Young Drivers’ Test will see Formula Renault 3.5 Series winner Robin Frijns take over at the wheel of the RB8.